Here's what schools, teachers and parents have to say about MindLab

Head teachers and Teachers

We could immediately see the benefit of integrating MindLab into our curriculum to enhance our school focus on teaching thinking skills. Its great strength is that it is the most practical way to teach thinking skills, through what appears to be play, but is in fact instruction and guided learning.
Head teacher, Jonathan Caroll, St. Piran’s Preparatory School, Maidenhead Berkshire

Although we offer many after school clubs at our schools, MindLab seemed too good an opportunity to miss. MindLab enables children to develop a range of important life skills through learning to play board games from all over the world. It appeals to children of all abilities and ages and complements the range of clubs that we already offer. We launched the new club just before half term and our children have now attended three sessions. They are very excited about preparing for the 'Mindlab' Olympics where they will have the opportunity to compete with children from all over England.
Mrs, Turville, Head teacher Robert Piggott Junior School

Thank you for the two great days you ran for the Gifted and Able Summer School. The students got a great deal from it and really enjoyed themselves. I look forward to working with you in the future.
L. Baldock, Coordinator Gifted and Talented Summer School Oxford

The great strength of the programme is that it allows children to improve life skills in an enjoyable and experiential way, while encouraging them to sharpen their thinking processes and develop self-control. We are impressed with the professional approach that the MindLab tutors have and how the importance of sportsmanship and the etiquette of game playing is stressed during each lesson.
A. Jarvis, Head Teacher, Peppard Primary School

We have been running the MindLab programme in our school for the past five years. The children love the MindLab classes and wait anxiously for them all week. It is a pleasure to see how the subjects taught seem to take expression and manifest themselves not only in other school lessons but also in the pupils' social lives, during school breaks and in situations involving both competition and emotional management.
P. Svaki, Head teacher, Moledet School

The feedback from existing after school clubs has been encouraging as they have plenty of children but a great need for a sound curriculum of fun activities. I've been thrilled by how keen parents are, particularly about the social aspects of MindLab such as encouraging children to take personal responsibility.
M. Atkinson

We have been running the MindLab programme in our school for three consecutive years and it has been an unprecedented success. The programme has enabled children to develop mathematical skills in an alternative, interesting, gripping, experimental and most importantly, in a non threatening way. In addition the programme helps to impart some essential ethical values such as the significance of rules and laws, cooperation and teamwork and mutual respect and acceptance of one's peers.
L. Blacher, Head teacher Ston School

The lessons in the classrooms were absorbing and enlightening, and they have had a significant influence in other related areas of the school's activities. The children seem to exhibit a greater degree of patience and tolerance, aggression levels have dropped while the children's self-confidence has grown. D. Biton, Teacher, Hilel Zur school

The games themselves are superb, they are stimulating, fun and promote many different skills. I am really impressed by the way the children settle to the games and follow the etiquette. They have taken on board the thinking tools and refer to them freely and can see how they apply to everyday life. I love the way each child operates at his own level and, in particular, the way MindLab has reached children who are very bright or children with problems, yet we're all part of the same group. I go home after a long day refreshed by MindLab, quite something after a days teaching!
M. Russell, MindLab teacher

Guiding a MindLab is a truly rewarding experience. MindLab teaches children how to think about thinking, to learn about learning - tools and concepts that children don't receive enough of in the normal school curriculum. I see children using all their different intelligences to tackle the games and puzzles. I see children's self esteem blossom as they find a game that draws on their innate skills and aptitude. I am making a powerful contribution to my student's development that will help them throughout their life. But the best thing is I learn so much. The children continually delight me with how they have applied the concepts we have covered in MindLab into their schools, homes and communities. Those are lessons I use in my life!
B. Auton, MindLab Teacher


Parents

I just wanted to say how much both of my children are enjoying MindLab. They both come home excited and enthused about the activities they have participated in. The general philosophy of MindLab is quite brilliant and it is giving them essential thinking and behavioral skills that I am certain will benefit them greatly in the future. The teachers at MindLab are enthusiastic and fun. It is a joy to see the interaction between the children and their mentors. I would certainly recommend MindLab to any parent who wishes to find an inspiring and intellectual activity for their children. My two children have so enjoyed their sessions with you and your team. It's a great concept and it would be wonderful if this concept could be integrated into the everyday school system.
T. Fergusona MindLab mother

My son, who is 10, has developmental delay. His teacher noticed that since he has begun MindLab he is more focussed and more willing to accept challenges and attempt things he would have previously thought were too difficult. Now he is willing and ready to try something. He has more confidence in his own ability. I have noticed that he understands logic better and can apply other people's rational thinking to his own circumstances. That has been a huge leap forward for him.
F. Barber a MindLab mother

My son started a new school and MindLab was an after school activity that attracted his attention. It has been a good way to help him open up new friendships. My son usually starts new activities with great enthusiasm and then after a few sessions loses interest. I have been astounded with MindLab, an apparently learning type activity, has held his attention and maintained his enthusiasm to go.
S. Patricka MindLab mother

Through doing MindLab my son has learnt to love thinking games and think strategically in ways he can apply to all areas of life. It has given him confidence to take part in a team and do his best. MindLab has taught him to be proud of wining and magnanimous in losing.
J. Breno a MindLab mother

MindLab is a great opportunity to have new challenges and play games my son would never find out about otherwise. It helps him with thinking and planning and it’s his favourite thing to do each week. The Olympics has been such an exciting experience. My son wants to tell the world about it. The winning doesn’t matter, they’ve all won because of the amazing experience they have had. The confidence of knowing they were National champions will always be with them.
R. Worms a MindLab mother

MindLab is fantastic. It’s so mind stretching and teaches such skilful playing.
A. Sori a MindLab mother

Approaching it all as a teacher, MindLab stimulates all areas of the brain, visual, kinaesthetic, memory as well as strategic thinking. MindLab teaches children life skills and wining with modesty and losing with grace.
S. Tabor a MindLab mother

My son loves MindLab. He thinks through things more and thinks ahead rather than react. He now gives his Granddad a good challenge too; he played checkers with him all half term. It’s not just about winning, even if you are not that good at the game, you are recognised for good gamesmanship. The Olympics has been so exciting and has done wonders for his confidence. It has been great that he has made friends with children from all over the world.
S. Kendall a MindLab mother

MindLab is fantastic and worth every penny! My girls can't wait for Tuesday afternoons, are totally absorbed during the sessions and run home to play the games and puzzles at home. After three weeks, I have noticed a totally different approach to some of their games and activities. Well worth it - give it a go!
L. Keech a MindLab mother

MindLab has really helped my daughter. It has given her a greater understanding of logic, how to work things out and a greater sense of self-confidence.
J.W. Thompson a MindLab mother

My daughter has difficulty adjusting to new people and had been finding school difficult, academically and socially. She has been diagnosed as dyslexic and was conscious of this at school. At the MindLab taster session, I saw my shy little girl bounce out of the room. I could see how comfortable the MindLab teachers had made her feel. MindLab gave her the confidence that she had other things to offer and the rest would fall into place and she just needed to give it time.
L. McGrath a MindLab mother

And some thoughts from the most important people of all, our pupils.

I was worried at first but everybody made me feel the same as them. I was ready to carry on for more and my teacher Maggie has such a warm smile. Madison, MindLab pupil

My thinking is now much more organised and I let myself think for a little longer before taking action. My patience has even improved.
Ronen, MindLab pupil

I think MindLab is great. The Olympics was really exciting. You don’t know who will win or not until you play. We were able to meet people and make friends with the Israeli and Spanish kids.
N. Worms, MindLab pupil

I have only been in MindLab for 2 term but I have learnt so many new strategies and skills, I am much more confident now.
T. Cowley – MindLab pupil

I've learned to co-operate better
Louis, MindLab pupil

The MindLab lessons are really important because they help us improve our thinking abilities by giving us lots of fun challenges. I learnt the importance of forward planning and the need to learn from my mistakes
Gil, MindLab pupil

All the lessons were a great experience, because games were used to teach us. Every part of the game needed a lot of thought and planning, just like in the real world.
Gal, MindLab pupil

Losing is not so difficult now Ross, MindLab pupil   I love ALL of MindLab Marcus, MindLab pupil

These poems are from two of our MindLab pupils

I like MindLab because it has good games
I like MindLab like burning flames
I like MindLab because it has nice food
I like MindLab and I’m never rood
I like MindLab because it is fun
I like all the good things we’ve done
I like MindLab because it is great
And I will still love it even when I’m eight

MindLab is great MindLab is fun
MindLab is excellent, its number one.
MindLab is fab
MindLab is cool
MindLab is better then a day off school!
MindLab is brilliant you play lots of games
You learn about planning in the most fun of ways
If you join MindLab you’re in for a treat
(plus if your good you might get some sweets!)